Global responsibilities

• Human Rights

  • All people are entitled to human rights like the right to life and freedom from torture.
  • Human rights are protected by:
  • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
  • The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
  • Most governments have signed the UDHR and are expected to respect it.
• Conflict Situations

  • Conflict is a major problem for humanity; fighting can happen within or between countries.
  • War often leads to abuse of human rights (e.g. children forced to fight, people persecuted).
  • Examples of abuse:
  • Innocent lives lost
  • People forced to leave homes
  • Children forced into armies
  • Refugees escaping persecution
• Balancing Rights and Responsibilities

  • Human rights give people freedom, but there are limits.
  • Governments must balance individual rights with national security and safety.
  • Examples of limits:
  • Restricting freedom of speech for national security
  • Restricting movement during emergencies
• Protecting Human Rights

  • International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ) help enforce human rights law.
  • Courts bring to justice those who commit crimes against humanity.
  • Politicians and leaders can be investigated and tried in these courts.
• Humanitarian Intervention

  • When governments abuse human rights and can’t stop it themselves, other countries or organisations may intervene.
  • Example: UK and NATO intervened in Kosovo (1998–2000) during civil war to protect civilians' human rights.